Latest news with #CSOs
Zawya
4 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Launches 'My Africa, My Future' Civil Society Compendium to amplify Civil Society Organization (CSO) justice and reparations initiatives
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union (AU) has officially launched the 'My Africa, My Future' Civil Society Compendium—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at showcasing the powerful role civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa and the diaspora play in advancing justice and reparations. The Compendium is part of ECOSOCC's commitment to strengthening the African Union's connection with its people and is aligned with the AU's 2025 Theme of the Year, 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.' The 'My Africa My Future Compendium' (MAMF) was conceived 25th May 2025, as part of the Africa Day commemoration. The Compendium represents ECOSOCC's commitment to make civil society visible, valued, and heard. This initiative creates a space for civil society to tell its own stories, share its solutions, and shape continental and global policy conversations from the grassroots. As a digital and physical repository of civic excellence, My Africa, My Future will catalogue a wide range of impactful CSO-led initiatives, encourage interregional learning, and build a legacy of civil society action that will inform Africa's development for years to come. 'With 'My Africa, My Future,' we are not only documenting action, but we are also acknowledging and elevating the indispensable role of civil society in shaping Africa's future,' said William Carew, ECOSOCC's Head of Secretariat. 'This Compendium is a platform for recognition, and above all, for solidarity. It's time the world hears the collective voice of African civil society on justice and reparations—clear, united, and unstoppable.' The initiative invites CSOs from across Africa and the global African diaspora to submit their work, with a focus on projects that champion justice and reparative action. Selected contributions will be featured in the inaugural edition of the Compendium and serve as inspiration for replication, scaling, and policy alignment. Through this initiative, ECOSOCC aims to: Spotlight diverse CSO-led initiatives aligned with the AU 2025 Theme of the Year; Promote interregional learning by sharing replicable models and strategies; Build a lasting archive of civil society contributions across Africa and the diaspora; Amplify the collective impact of CSOs, activists, researchers, and communities under ECOSOCC. In the exercise of its mandate of connecting the African Union, ECOSOCC champions numerous initiatives throughout the year; be it through advocacy or awareness raising, ECOSOCC has always been at the forefront of bringing AU policies and programmes at the grassroots. As a result of these engagements, many CSOs have reported, quite sporadically though, to ECOSOCC about their very laudable programs to support the AU's Agenda 2063 but most importantly, the annual AU Theme of the Year. Join the Movement. Shape the Narrative. Share Your Impact. To contribute to the 'My Africa, My Future' Compendium, CSOs are encouraged to visit and submit their initiatives for inclusion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MHA holds talks with Meitei CSOs to discuss ways to resolve Manipur ethnic conflict
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday held the third round of talks with a joint delegation of Manipur valley-based Meitei Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). According to sources, the deliberations concluded on a positive note. The sources said the delegation had come with a four-point declared agenda, and they stood firm on it. They also said to the MHA representatives that the time has come now for action rather than talks. The 19-member delegation included seven representatives each from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), and five from the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). From the MHA side, four senior officials, including interlocutor AK Mishra, Joint Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Rajesh Kamle and Sunil Kumar, and Rahul PR, both Superintendent of Police in the IB, participated in the meeting, which was held in two sessions. The sources said that the morning session took place from 11.30 am to 2 pm, during which three main points were discussed and in the afternoon session, which was held between 2.55 pm and 3. 25 pm, two additional issues were discussed. The CSO delegation brought forward critical concerns such as the security and livelihood of farmers in vulnerable fringe areas, the reopening of blocked National and State Highways, and the proper rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at their original places of residence. The sources said that the MHA responded positively to the delegation's demands. However, the CSO leaders stressed that only concrete implementation would determine whether the dialogue translates into real progress for the people of Manipur. Meanhile, COCOMI coordinator Khuraijam Athouba has reportedly said that the meeting discussed pressing issues affecting peace and stability in the state. Another COCOMI leader said that they urged the MHA to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify illegal immigrants to protect indigenous people. During the meeting, the CSOs reiterated their rejection of the legitimacy of militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians, the sources said. The sources said that the MHA is also scheduled to hold a separate dialogue with Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement on July 4.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Home ministry holds talks with Meitei groups to resolve the Manipur crisis
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A fresh round of dialogue between the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and members of a joint delegation of leading Meitei-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) was held in New Delhi on Monday to resolve the ethnic crisis in Manipur A 19-member delegation of three CSOs -- All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) – held a discussion with four MHA officials led by A.K. Mishra, Advisor to the MHA on Northeast Director, MHA Rajesh Kamble, Sunil Kumar and Rahul P.R., both Superintendent of Police, IB, also attended the meeting, held in two coordinator Khuraijam Athouba said that the meeting discussed pressing issues affecting peace and stability in the state. Another COCOMI leader said that they urged the MHA to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify illegal immigrants and protect indigenous delegation conveyed the strong sentiments and demands of the people regarding May 20, the Gwaltabi issue , when some security personnel in Imphal East district reportedly instructed the media team to hide the 'Manipur State Transport Corporation' signage in front of the bus carrying 20 journalists and some Information Department officials. The CSOs also demanded adequate security for the farmers and to start the free movement of people across the CSOs reiterated their rejection of the legitimacy of militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians who are the genuine citizens of the state shall be handled accordingly after sorting out the anti-peace elements. United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which are conglomerates of 23 underground outfits, signed an SoO with the Central government on August 22, 2008, and then there are 2,266 Kuki cadres who have been staying in different designated camps in discussions between the MHA officials and three CSOs centred around restoring normalcy, ensuring public safety, and addressing long-standing grievances over the Centre's perceived inaction. Monday's engagement is seen as a renewed initiative to bridge differences through dialogue. It follows months of memoranda, protests, and appeals submitted by the civil society said that the MHA is also scheduled to hold a separate dialogue with Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement on July 4. The MHA officials earlier also held discussions separately with the Meitei CSOs and various organisations of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal organisations.
New Straits Times
21-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Over 10,000 offenders rehabilitated through community service from 2008 to 2024
KUCHING: A total of 10,522 cases nationwide were imposed with Community Service Orders (CSOs) from 2008 to 2024, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said that of the total, 8,125 cases involved young offenders, 2,163 involved child offenders and 234 involved adult offenders. Nancy said the cases involved various offences, with the maximum CSO period imposed being 240 hours. "We've all made mistakes. "The difference is that not everyone is given a second chance, but through CSOs, we provide individuals undergoing them with the opportunity to improve themselves. "CSOs are not just alternative punishments – they serve as a space for recovery. "They help rebuild self-confidence, reshape identity, and provide a second chance to return as better members of society," she said at the Community Service Order awareness programme here today. Nancy said a study conducted by Universiti Utara Malaysia found that CSOs had a positive impact on offenders' attitudes, emotions and social integration. –Bernama
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
CSOs key to strengthening unity, says unity minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Civil society organisations (CSOs), which has presence and influence at the grassroots level, are essential partners in shaping a more cohesive and harmonious Malaysia as well as in strengthening national unity, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He pointed out that in any diverse and pluralistic nation, the task of building and sustaining national unity cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the government, but requires the collective commitment of all layers of society ,including CSOs. 'Unlike government agencies, which may operate through formal structures and procedures, CSOs engage communities in a more personal, accessible, and consistent manner such in neighbourhoods, in rural areas, in urban settlements, often serving as the first point of contact for people who feel unheard or left behind,' he said in his speech at the Muhibbah Night 2025 event organised by The Pure Life Society here today. CSOs play a vital role because they are often the closest to the people that able to identify early signs of social tension, cultural misunderstanding, or discrimination, and intervene constructively before these issues deepen into division or conflict, he added. They are also important trusted, neutral voices and serve as credible bridges between different communities, especially in discussions around race, religion and identity that can be sensitive or politicised. 'When CSOs speak about the need for understanding and respect, they often do so with the moral authority that comes from years of non-partisan, community-driven work. 'This trust enables them to bring people to the same table, to foster difficult but necessary dialogue, and to mediate when disagreements arise,' Aaron said. He further emphasised that CSOs complement government efforts, particularly in communities that are isolated and marginalised. Their ability to reach those at the periphery of society ensures that the message of unity is not just heard in policy statements, but lived out in everyday lives. 'In short, civil society organisations are the hands and feet of national unity at the ground level. 'They amplify voices, build relationships, create safe spaces for dialogue, and hold us accountable to our values as a nation. Their work may not always make headlines, but its impact is profound and long-lasting,' he added.
